reading this was such a great experience, especially since it’s all about nikolai, one of my favorite characters f— 4.5 stars ☆
⋆. spoilers ahead ⁀➴
reading this was such a great experience, especially since it’s all about nikolai, one of my favorite characters from shadow and bone. his story, dealing with the dark magic inside him and everything that happened with the darkling, made for such a compelling plot. staying in ravka with characters i already know, while getting mentions or cameos from six of crows, kept the world feeling connected and full of surprises.
what really stood out was how well it blended characters and stories from both s&b and soc. the soc references gave me that familiar feeling, but at the same time, nikolai, zoya, and the others from the original trilogy had their chance to really shine. it’s exciting because it feels like anything can happen and anyone could show up.
nikolai’s fight with the dark magic left by the darkling was one of the most gripping parts. he’s not just struggling with this power, but with who he is. every time the darkness creeps in, he’s wondering if he can still lead ravka or if the monster inside him is going to win. it’s a lot like what ravka is going through too—trying to move forward but getting held back by its past. it added so much to his character and made his journey even more intense.
zoya really surprised me in this book. i liked her before, but now i appreciate her so much more. her bond with nikolai adds a lot of emotion to the story, and the tension between them makes every scene they share feel loaded. i’m hoping there’s more between them in the next book. her strength really stood out, and i can’t wait to see how she grows from here.
and that ending—i did not see it coming, especially the darkling’s return. just when it seemed like ravka could finally move on, he shows up and throws everything into chaos. nikolai, who’s already been struggling to keep control, now has to deal with this huge threat from his past. it just made everything feel even bigger, and i’m dying to see how they handle it.
this duology is shaping up to be one of my favorites in the grishaverse. six of crows is still at the top for me, but this story is building something really special with the characters i already loved from shadow and bone. after that twist, i can’t wait to see what happens next.
this book was an okay read—nothing too special, but it had its moments. the story had a solid foundation with an interesting concept, and — 3 stars ☆
this book was an okay read—nothing too special, but it had its moments. the story had a solid foundation with an interesting concept, and while it didn’t completely blow me away, there were still parts that kept me engaged. some of the romance developed pretty fast at the beginning, which isn’t really my thing, so those parts didn’t stand out to me much. i did cringe a bit here and there, but it wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story.
the characters were likable, though they didn’t really stand out or leave a lasting impression. they were fine, and while i didn’t feel super connected to any of them, they added to the story’s overall appeal. i have to admit, i didn’t read the synopsis before starting, so i was convinced they were werewolves until about a third of the way through, which made for an interesting surprise.
even though i predicted a lot of the plot early on, there was still something about the story that kept me interested enough to see where it was going. the cliffhanger at the end definitely grabbed my attention, and i’m curious to see how things play out in the next book. while i’m not expecting the next one to blow me away, i’m still interested enough to keep reading and see what happens next.
midnight of ashes: 3 stars ☆ dawn of flames: 2 stars ☆...more
this book took everything i loved about the first one and turned it up. even though i knew parts of the plot going i— 5 stars ☆
⋆. spoilers ahead ⁀➴
this book took everything i loved about the first one and turned it up. even though i knew parts of the plot going in, the story still kept me hooked with twists and surprises i didn’t see coming. kaz’s final plan to outsmart van eck was genius, and watching it all play out was so satisfying. the stakes were higher, the tension was intense, and the payoff hit even harder. the way the crew played off each other’s strengths and weaknesses was so well done—it made every part of the plot feel like it was building toward something big.
one of the best things about this book was how it handled the multiple povs. each character had their own distinct voice, and their personal journeys felt just as important as the main plot. no one got overshadowed, and every perspective added something to the story. kaz’s relentless drive for control, wylan’s clever problem-solving, jesper’s quick thinking, matthias’ honor and conflict, inej’s unwavering loyalty, and nina’s sharp resourcefulness all balanced out the crew. the heists were thrilling, but what made it even better was how each character had personal stakes in everything, so their wins and losses hit harder.
just when i thought i had things figured out, the book threw in twists that completely caught me off guard. the heists and schemes were so well thought out, and whenever something went wrong, the crew found a way to turn it around. the tension was nonstop, and every twist felt earned—like it fit perfectly with the crew’s skills and the obstacles they were up against. it made for such an exciting, unpredictable read that had me on edge the whole time.
the relationships between the characters were another huge part of what made this book so good. whether it was kaz and inej’s deepening trust, wylan and jesper’s growing bond, or nina and matthias’ shared moments of connection, every relationship felt real and earned. both the romantic and platonic dynamics in the crew were stronger this time, and it added a lot to their interactions, making the highs and lows hit even harder. as the stakes grew, their bonds got stronger, and none of the relationships felt rushed or forced.
what i really loved was how each character had their own sense of morality, but they still worked together toward a common goal. even with different motivations and values, their loyalty to each other kept them solid. loyalty and trust were such big themes, and they were woven into the story in a way that made every choice feel more meaningful.
the ending left me feeling both satisfied and a little bittersweet. while it wrapped everything up perfectly, it was tough to say goodbye to these characters and this world after spending so much time with them. the closure was handled so well, tying up loose ends but still leaving me wishing for more adventures with this crew. it was the perfect end to an amazing journey, but i wasn’t quite ready to let go. now, i’m already looking forward to reading king of scars and getting back into this world with nikolai.
as much as i liked this book, it didn’t really feel like the conclusion i was hoping for. with the hunt for the f— 3.75 stars ☆
⋆. spoilers ahead ⁀➴
as much as i liked this book, it didn’t really feel like the conclusion i was hoping for. with the hunt for the firebird and the final showdown with the darkling, the stakes were high, but the payoff wasn’t as strong as i expected. the build-up throughout the series hinted at something bigger, and in the end, i was left wanting more. alina’s struggle with her power and her connection to the darkling stayed intense, but even the final confrontation didn’t have the lasting impact i hoped for.
mal and alina’s relationship definitely improved from the last book, which was a relief. the tension between them felt more resolved, and i liked how they both came to terms with their own paths. mal being the third amplifier added some emotional depth to the story, but even then, the emotional weight didn’t hit as hard as it could have. i wanted to feel more for their journey, but it didn’t quite land the way i was expecting.
what really stood out, though, was the darkling. every time he showed up, the tension was unreal. his moments with alina were some of the best parts of the book. their connection, despite being enemies, felt so layered, and they just seemed to understand each other in a way no one else could. he was ambitious, lonely, and somehow likable even when he was at his most dangerous. his final moments were bittersweet, especially when he realized how much his loneliness had driven him. it was a powerful end for a character who left a huge mark on the series.
looking back at the trilogy, it started out strong, but the momentum dipped toward the end. the first book set up an exciting world with great characters, and the second book raised the stakes with nikolai’s introduction and alina’s growing power. but by the third book, the pacing slowed down. while there were some standout moments, the final book didn’t quite deliver on all the potential from earlier in the series. the ending could’ve been so much more, but it fell a little short of everything the story had been building up to.
and then there’s nikolai. i really wish he had been in the book more. even though we didn’t get to fully see him deal with the aftermath of being turned into a monster, his resilience and charm still shined through whenever he was around. i would’ve loved to see more of his arc. the supporting characters like genya and zoya had their moments, and i liked their growth, but overall, the conclusion wasn’t as satisfying as i’d hoped. the epilogue wrapped things up nicely, and while it brought a sense of closure, this series still left me wanting a bit more. now, i’m really excited to finally jump into six of crows.
shadow and bone: 3.75 stars ☆ siege and storm: 3.75 stars ☆...more
i didn’t remember much from the show’s second season, but this book pulled me right back into ravka. diving deepe— 3.75 stars ☆
⋆. spoilers ahead ⁀➴
i didn’t remember much from the show’s second season, but this book pulled me right back into ravka. diving deeper into the politics and watching alina’s journey unfold kept things interesting. her struggle with growing power and the tension around her role as the sun summoner were at the heart of the story, and seeing her navigate all that pressure kept me hooked.
nikolai’s introduction was definitely a turning point in the story. he brought humor and energy, but he also had ambition and sharp intellect that added a lot to his character. his scenes with alina were definitely some of my favorites, and he quickly became the highlight of the book for me. being both a privateer and a prince gave him layers, and it was clear he had larger goals beyond just being comic relief. i found myself looking forward to every scene with him.
mal, though, was more frustrating than ever. his support for alina turned into jealousy and insecurity as her power grew, which caused a lot of tension. instead of standing by her, he seemed to resent her, and the distance between them made their relationship hard to root for. honestly, i felt like they might be better off apart.
while the pacing had its slower moments, some scenes really left an impression—especially when alina embraced the darkling’s power through their bond. when she said, “my power is yours… and yours is mine,” it was a huge moment, showing how far she was willing to go for ravka, even if it meant leaning into the darkness. even though this book didn’t completely blow me away, it was a solid continuation of the series, and i’m looking forward to seeing how things wrap up in the final book. plus, i can’t wait to dive into six of crows.
shadow and bone: 3.75 stars ☆ ruin and rising: 3.75 stars ☆...more
i thought the first book was bad, but somehow, this one managed to be even worse. i honestly can’t even tell you what happened because my — 1 star ☆
i thought the first book was bad, but somehow, this one managed to be even worse. i honestly can’t even tell you what happened because my brain must have blocked out the trauma of reading it. jacks was the only remotely redeemable thing in this entire mess, but let’s be real, even he couldn’t save it from being a total dumpster fire.
the writing was a nightmare—worse than before, if that’s even possible—and the constant retconning was enough to make me want to throw my kindle across the room. and don’t get me started on tella. if stupidity was a genetic trait, these sisters hit the jackpot. tella was an absolute brat, and her attitude made me want to scream. as if that wasn’t enough, the big reveal that dante is legend was just the final nail in the coffin. what a colossal letdown.
i barely survived reading this and there’s no way i’m putting myself through the torture of the final book. maybe ouabh will be better, but after this disaster, i’m not holding my breath.
i had such an amazing time reading this series, and i’m honestly so sad it’s over. every book kept me hooked, and this final one was no ex— 5 stars ☆
i had such an amazing time reading this series, and i’m honestly so sad it’s over. every book kept me hooked, and this final one was no exception. but seriously, the fact that the whole world almost ended because percy got a nosebleed? that is so insane and kinda hilarious in a twisted way. it’s kinda amazing how rick riordan can take something so small and turn it into a massive plot point.
now….. octavian. there’s no way around it, he’s the absolute worst. i genuinely don’t think i’ve ever hated a character more. every time he appeared, i just wanted to throw the book across the room. his actions throughout this entire series were infuriating and made my blood boil.
and then there’s leo’s “death.” what the hell was that? it left me in shock at first, but i totally called it that he was going back to calypso (who i still hate, by the way). that twist was a little heartbreaking at first and, in a weird way, satisfying because it showed just how much leo had grown, even if i’m not thrilled about who he ended up with.
even though it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this incredible series, i’m excited that i’ll get to see these characters again when i dive into the sixth book of pjo and trials of apollo. this series has been an incredible journey, full of action, heart, and unforgettable moments, and i loved every single one of them!!!
the lost hero: 5 stars ☆ the son of neptune: 5 stars ☆ the mark of athena: 5 stars ☆ the house of hades: 5 stars ☆ ...more
picking up right from the heart-stopping cliffhanger, this book dives straight into the darkness of tartarus with percy and annabeth. watc— 5 stars ☆
picking up right from the heart-stopping cliffhanger, this book dives straight into the darkness of tartarus with percy and annabeth. watching them struggle through the horrors of the underworld, especially with all the terrifying creatures they encounter, was heartbreaking. percy’s powers, especially the moment when he makes blood move, were both impressive and kinda fascinating.
the tension in this book was nonstop, making every page a heart-pounding experience. the emotional depth and high stakes left me completely invested, and i can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in the final book.
the lost hero: 5 stars ☆ the son of neptune: 5 stars ☆ the mark of athena: 5 stars ☆ the blood of olympus: 5 stars ☆ ...more
the reunion between percy and annabeth in this book was everything i had been waiting for. after two books apart, finally seeing them back— 5 stars ☆
the reunion between percy and annabeth in this book was everything i had been waiting for. after two books apart, finally seeing them back together was a dream come true. their bond is stronger than ever, and watching them team up with the others was so satisfying. the way they all worked together to unravel the mysteries of the prophecy of seven and face gaea’s forces made for some of the most thrilling moments in the series.
percy’s dynamic with jason was also a standout. it was interesting to see how these two leaders navigated their roles and learned to trust each other. their partnership added a lot of excitement to the story, and i loved every scene they shared.
but the ending, with percy and annabeth falling into tartarus, was absolutely gut-wrenching. it was such a powerful moment that really showed the strength of their relationship and left me on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what happens next.
this book was an emotional rollercoaster filled with action, adventure, and some of the most memorable moments in the series. i need see how the journey continues in the next book!!
the lost hero: 5 stars ☆ the son of neptune: 5 stars ☆ the house of hades: 5 stars ☆ the blood of olympus: 5 stars ☆ ...more
i was beyond thrilled to have percy back after not seeing him at all in the last book. even with his memory wiped, the fact that he still — 5 stars ☆
i was beyond thrilled to have percy back after not seeing him at all in the last book. even with his memory wiped, the fact that he still remembered annabeth meant so much to me. the whole thing with nico being at a new camp and pretending not to know percy was wild?? percy’s still insanely cool as ever, and this book kept me hooked from start to finish. i’m so excited to see where the journey takes him next!!
the lost hero: 5 stars ☆ the mark of athena: 5 stars ☆ the house of hades: 5 stars ☆ the blood of olympus: 5 stars ☆ ...more
this was an absolute blast to read. i didn’t know if we’d be getting new characters or seeing old favorites, so when familiar faces showed— 5 stars ☆
this was an absolute blast to read. i didn’t know if we’d be getting new characters or seeing old favorites, so when familiar faces showed up, i was thrilled. the plot kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. plus, this book was hilarious, especially with leo’s antics. i also found myself liking rachel a lot more in this book than i did in pjo. also that ending?? the reveal that jason and percy had swapped camps totally took me by surprise. i’m so excited to see what happens next in this series!!
the son of neptune: 5 stars ☆ the mark of athena: 5 stars ☆ the house of hades: 5 stars ☆ the blood of olympus: 5 stars ☆ ...more
it was really fun jumping back into the pjo universe, especially with a halloween-themed story. even though it hasn’t been long since i— 4.75 stars ☆
it was really fun jumping back into the pjo universe, especially with a halloween-themed story. even though it hasn’t been long since i last read percy, annabeth, and grover’s adventures, this one felt like a refreshing change of pace. the halloween setting gave it a spooky vibe that made it stand out, and having them pet-sitting for hecate? definitely chaotic, but totally fitting for this world.
this story had a different feel compared to percy’s usual world-saving quests, but that made it more fun. instead of those super high-stakes, apocalyptic situations, we get a lighter, chaotic adventure filled with magical mishaps. the humor and twists were still there, and even though the danger wasn’t as intense, there were plenty of challenges to keep things interesting. it struck that perfect balance of fun, action, and those classic percy jackson moments.
seeing percy, annabeth, and grover together again was a highlight, as always. their dynamic never gets old, and a few familiar faces popping up added to the fun. overall, it was a great addition to the series, and i’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.
it was really fun jumping back into the pjo world just a few months after finishing the first five books. even though it hasn’t been th— 4.75 stars ☆
it was really fun jumping back into the pjo world just a few months after finishing the first five books. even though it hasn’t been that long for me, it was still great to dive back in with percy, annabeth, and grover on another quest. the humor and banter were still there, and there were plenty of moments that made me smile. and, of course, percabeth is still as strong as ever.
that said, it did feel a little different. the stakes aren’t as high as saving the world this time around, but getting into college through quests and recommendation letters from the gods? leave it to percy to get roped into something that chaotic. it wasn’t as intense as the first five books, but it was still a lot of fun. percy juggling high school and demigod responsibilities felt less apocalyptic, but no less entertaining.
overall, i really liked this book. it had that nostalgic feel, but it also brought something new. i still love the world and the characters, and with the seventh book coming soon, i’m excited to see where it all goes next.
the final book in the pjo series (until 14 years later, when a sixth book came out???) was everything i hoped it would be. i absolutely lo— 5 stars ☆
the final book in the pjo series (until 14 years later, when a sixth book came out???) was everything i hoped it would be. i absolutely loved this book. percy’s growth reaches its peak as he takes on the ultimate challenge, and his relationship with annabeth continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series. the way they work together, especially in the face of such high stakes, is just perfect.
now that this insanely awesome series is wrapped up, i’m going straight into hoo next, and i couldn’t be more excited to continue exploring this world!!
the lightning thief: 5 stars ☆ the sea of monsters: 5 stars ☆ the titan's curse: 5 stars ☆ the battle of the labyrinth: 5 stars ☆ ...more
i had such a fun time reading this, and it might just be my favorite in the series?? percy’s growth as a character really shines here, and— 5 stars ☆
i had such a fun time reading this, and it might just be my favorite in the series?? percy’s growth as a character really shines here, and i loved seeing him take on more responsibility while navigating the twists and turns of the labyrinth. annabeth’s return was great, though her constant defense of luke was a little annoying. the percabeth moments kept me hooked, and i’m even more excited to see where their relationship goes. ready for the next one!!!
the lightning thief: 5 stars ☆ the sea of monsters: 5 stars ☆ the titan's curse: 5 stars ☆ the last olympian: 5 stars ☆ ...more
reading this was like stepping into uncharted territory—there’s no movie adaptation, so every twist and turn was completely new to me. the— 5 stars ☆
reading this was like stepping into uncharted territory—there’s no movie adaptation, so every twist and turn was completely new to me. the lack of annabeth throughout the story was a bit of a letdown since she’s one of my favorites, but the plot kept the excitement alive. the introduction of nico and bianca added a bittersweet layer, making their story especially emotional. despite missing some annabeth action, the hints of percabeth developments kept me hooked and looking forward to what’s next. can’t wait to see where percy’s journey takes him next!!
the lightning thief: 5 stars ☆ the sea of monsters: 5 stars ☆ the battle of the labyrinth: 5 stars ☆ the last olympian: 5 stars ☆ ...more
jumping into this felt like a fresh adventure, even though it’s been a while since i last saw the movie. some details were fuzzy in my mem— 5 stars ☆
jumping into this felt like a fresh adventure, even though it’s been a while since i last saw the movie. some details were fuzzy in my memory, so each chapter was full of fun surprises and "oh, i remember that!" moments. percy's quest to get the golden fleece to save camp half-blood is full of action, humor, and cool mythological elements that make it hard to stop reading.
the lightning thief: 5 stars ☆ the titan's curse: 5 stars ☆ the battle of the labyrinth: 5 stars ☆ the last olympian: 5 stars ☆ ...more
this book had been sitting on my tbr for a year, and when i finally got around to it, i was met with nothing but disappointment. i hated ev— 1 star ☆
this book had been sitting on my tbr for a year, and when i finally got around to it, i was met with nothing but disappointment. i hated every single character right from the start, and shocker—none of them got any better. julian, the so-called love interest, was introduced so early that i figured there had to be someone better coming along. nope, he was it. and he was just as awful as the rest.
the world-building was weak, the romance was laughable, and the writing? some of the worst i’ve ever come across. scarlett, the main character, has got to be the stupidest character i’ve ever read. i couldn’t get through a single page without her doing something ridiculously stupid. it was beyond infuriating—half my notes were just about how stupid she was.
i waited so long to read this book, only for it to be a complete disaster. the only reason i even picked this up was to get to the spin-off series, and now i’m just hoping it’s not as terrible. what a mess. here’s to hoping the next book is better because it honestly can’t get much worse than this.
even though i had already watched the tv show, this book still managed to pull me in. the world of ravka is just so immersive, and i lo— 3.75 stars ☆
even though i had already watched the tv show, this book still managed to pull me in. the world of ravka is just so immersive, and i loved diving deeper into the magic system and the lore of the grisha. alina’s power reveal hit just as hard in the book, and the way the grisha magic system is built out gives the story a lot more depth than i expected. the fold and the volcra are creepy in all the right ways, and the world-building is easily the best part.
what i liked most was how the magic system and politics of ravka play off each other. even with all their power, the grisha are still controlled by the royal court, which adds a lot of tension to alina’s journey. her story isn’t just about discovering her powers—it’s about figuring out how to survive in a world where magic, politics, and survival are all tangled up.
but while the world-building was strong, i felt like the pacing slowed down in some parts, especially in the middle. it kinda dragged before picking up again towards the end, where the action ramps up. alina’s struggle with her powers and the darkling’s influence gave the ending a lot of tension, and it definitely left me curious for the next book.
overall, the mix of magic, politics, and action kept me engaged, especially with how the stakes built up toward the end. while there were some slow moments, the strong world-building and tension between the characters made it worth sticking with. i’m definitely curious to see where the story goes from here.
siege and storm: 3.75 stars ☆ ruin and rising: 3.75 stars ☆...more
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